What makes the 850CSi unique?The 850CSi is the the BMW Motorsport-developed version of the E31 8 Series coupe. It is powered by the S70 V12 engine, a BMW Motorsport-enhanced version the standard production M70 powerplant. In addition, the 850CSi features a BMW Motorsport-tuned chassis and several unique cosmetic items.

Where was the 850CSi introduced?The 850CSi was introduced at the 1991 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

Where was the 850CSi produced?The 850CSi was built on the regular 8 Series assembly line at BMW's Dingolfing factory.

Is the 850CSi considered an M car?Although not badged as such, the 850CSi was developed by BMW Motorsport (later renamed BMW M) and is therefore a true M car.

If the 850CSi was developed by M, why is it not badged as an "M8"?BMW Motorsport did develop a prototype 8 Series with a lightweight body and a 550-hp 48-valve V12 engine that was known as the M8. However, BMW pulled the plug on the M8 and stated, "We're just not interested in putting our name on cars like this anymore." Instead, a more mild 8 Series with a 24-valve version of the V12 and normal steel body panels was chosen for production. This model was named 850CSi, perhaps because it was more closely related to the regular 850Ci coupe than the M8 prototype or perhaps because BMW did not wish to attach the M badge to a rather large and heavy grand touring coupe.

What does the "CSi" suffix denote?The "CSi" suffix was first used in 1971 on the E9 3.0 CSi coupe to denote "Coupe Sport injection". It was carried over by the 3.0 CSi's successor, the E24 633CSi (and its successors, the 628CSi, 635CSi and M635CSi). However, in the case of the 8 Series, the CSi suffix is unique to the M-powered version (all other 8 Series models have either an "i" or "Ci" suffix).

Production Data

How many versions of the 850CSi were developed?Three versions of the 850CSi were developed: Two European-spec models (left-hand drive and right-hand drive) and a United States-spec version.

How many of each version were produced?EG91 (ECE, LHD): 1,125 produced from 08/1992 through 10/1996 (includes 49 examples of the Alpina B12 5.7 coupe)
EG92 (ECE, RHD): 160 produced from 06/1993 through 06/1996 (includes 1 example of the Alpina B12 5.7 coupe)
EG93 (USA, LHD): 225 produced from 10/1993 through 06/1995

What changed during the production of the 850CSi?There were no major mechanical changes to the 850CSi during the three and a half years that it was produced. However, the 850CSi did receive a myriad of smaller running changes that affected all 8 Series models. These included the addition of Coded Driveaway Protection (1/95 producton) and revisions to the ABS braking system, door locking system, audio system, on-board computer and other minor equipment changes. There were also periodic alterations to the choices of available exterior paint colors.

However, U.S. models do include exterior door handles embossed with "BMW Motorsport" and Extended Yew wood interior trim, both items not normally found on the European-spec version.

Drivetrain

How is the S70 engine different from the M70 V12 upon which it is based?When creating the 850CSi's S70 V12 motor, BMW Motorsport began with the standard 24-valve SOHC M70 engine and instituted the following changes:
-Increased bore (from 84mm to 86mm) and stroke (from 75mm to 80mm) for a new total displacement of 5,576cc (from 4,988cc)
-Lighter pistons
-Increased compression (from 8.8:1 to 9.8:1)
-More aggressive valve timing for increased high-rpm power
-Larger diameter exhaust pipes
-Variable rpm limit (6,400 in 1st+2nd, 6,200 in 3rd, 6,100 in 4th. 6,000 in 5th+6th)
-Adjustable throttle sensitivity via dual mode (Sport or Komfort) console-mounted switch
-Engine oil cooler (European-spec models only)

These modifications resulted in an increase in maximum power from 300 hp (DIN) or 296 hp (SAE) at 5,200 rpm to 380 hp (DIN) or 372 hp (SAE) at 5,300 rpm. In addition, maximum torque was increased from 332 lb/ft at 4,100 rpm to 402 lb/ft at 4,000 rpm.

This engine can be identified by the "Powered by M" inscription on the central cam cover between the two banks of cylinders.

What kind of gearbox does the 850CSi have?The sole gearbox offered for the 850CSi was the Getrag Type E six-speed manual with the following ratios: 4.25 (1), 2.53 (2), 1.68 (3), 1.24 (4), 1.00 (5), 0.83 (6). This is mated to a 2.93:1 rear end with limited slip differential. In addition, Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T), which can apply the brakes and/or reduce engine power in the event of traction loss, is fitted as standard to the 850CSi. Finally, European-spec models are equipped with a transmission oil cooler.

Chassis

How is the chassis different from that of a standard 8 Series coupe?The 850CSi's chassis is based on that of a normal 8 Series and thus is made up of MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link system that comprises five components (upper transverse link, two lower transverse links, longitudinal link and integral link) in the rear. However, BMW Motorsport specified stronger front hubs, stiffer shocks and shorter springs (by 10mm) for the 850CSi.

In addition, all Euro-spec cars are fitted with Active Rear-Axle Kinematics (known by its German abbreviation AHK for Aktive Hinterachs-Kinematik). The system works by turning the rear wheels in the same direction as the fronts in order to facilitate change of direction and weight shift in a corner. The hydraulically-controlled AHK system activates at speeds above approximately 60 kph (37 mph) and can turn the rear wheels up to 2.5 degrees depending on the angle of the front wheels.

How is the steering different from that of a standard 8 Series coupe?The 850CSi's steering system is based on the same recirculating ball design as the standard 8 Series but incorporates ZF Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist (in place of the usual engine-speed-sensitive system) and a quicker rack (2.8 turns lock-to-lock instead of 3.3 turns).

What size brakes does the 850CSi have?There are two different braking systems for the 850CSi. European-spec cars are equipped with the same braking system that was fitted to the E34 M5 starting with May, 1994 production. This consists of 13.6-inch vented discs incorporating "floating" rotors and four-piston calipers in the front and 12.8-inch vented discs in the rear. U.S.-spec cars are fitted with the same brakes as the standard five-liter 850i/850Ci: 12.8-inch vented discs in the front and 12.8-inch solid discs in the rear.

What size wheels and tires does the 850CSi have?There were three different factory wheel and tire packages for the 850CSi. Standard (and also most common) was the M System II alloy wheel shared with the 3.8-liter E34 M5. This consisted of a five-spoke forged alloy center combined with a plastic outer cover in a "throwing star" design. However, as an option in some markets (not including the USA), the 850CSi could also be equipped from the factory with traditional cross-spoke alloy wheels. Both styles of wheel were sized 8x17-inch in the front and 9x17-inch in the rear, combined with 235/45ZR17 and 265/40ZR17 tires, respectively.

As of early 1995 production, 18-inch M Parallel Spoke alloy wheels became available as an optional upgrade for the 850CSi in some markets (not including the USA). The 8x18-inch front wheels were fitted with 245/40ZR18 tires, while the 9.5x18-inch rear wheels carried 285/35ZR18 tires.

Cosmetics

How dos the exterior of the 850CSi differ cosmetically from that of other 8 Series?Aside from its M-designed 17- or 18-inch wheels, the exterior of the 850CSi is distinguished by a unique front fascia that includes a deeper front airdam and air intake, more pronounced side sills and four round exhaust tips, two pairs on either side of a "diffuser" panel under the bumper. European-spec models also feature aerodynamic M rear-view mirrors, while U.S.-spec cars have unique door handles that are embossed with "BMW Motorsport" script. An "850CSi" badge appears on the trunk lid, but there are no M badges on the exterior of the car.

How is the interior of the 850CSI different from that of a normal 8 Series?The interior of the 850CSi shares its basic architecture and design with all 8 Series coupes. The power and heated front seats are identical in shape and function to those fitted to other 8 Series models and include a three-position memory on the driver-side seat. Unlike other 8 Series models, however, the interior of the 850CSi could also be ordered in several two-tone or "Bicolor" Nappa leather combinations (Black/Dark Silvergray, Light Silvergray/Dark Silvergray, Black/Lotus White) in addition to all Black.

Three different airbag-equipped steering wheels were offered depending on the market and production date: a three-spoke design, a four-spoke design (through 8/93 production) and a four-spoke M design with tri-color stitching on the rim (from 9/93 production). A leather shift knob was fitted to every 850CSi while all U.S.-spec models and some later European-spec cars received the leather shift knob with M tri-color stripe.

Every 850CSi also features a special instrument cluster with red needles, a 300 kph/180 mph speedometer and a unique tachometer with a graduated redline (to reflect the variable rev limiter). There are also special plates with the "M" logo on both door sills. The U.S.-spec 850CSi is further distinguished by its standard Yew wood trim on the dashboard, front and rear center consoles, door panels and rear side panels. Several other types of wood trim could be ordered as an option in other markets.

What features were optional on the 850CSi?The 850CSi was the flagship of the BMW range and was therefore fitted with most features as standard equipment. Options varied from market to market on Euro-spec cars but generally included various audio and phone systems, a power rear window sunshade, retractable headlight washers, wood trim and (from early 1995) 18-inch M Parallel Spoke wheels. There were no factory options for the U.S.-spec model.

Special Versions

Were there any special versions of the 850CSi?There were no official factory special editions of the 850CSi. However, the 850CSi could be ordered in certain markets outside of the USA with the "Color-Line" option consisting of coordinated paint and interior trim in one of three monochromatic color schemes (Calypso Red with Trinidad Red + Black Nappa leather, Tobago Blue with Tobago Blue + Black Nappa leather or Barbados Green with Barbados Green + Nappa Black leather).

In addition, buyers often requested paint, interior trim and/or special equipment from BMW Individual, the branch of BMW M responsible for tailoring vehicles to specific customer requests. Thus, it is fairly common to find examples of the 850CSi with items not usually found on the normal equipment list. One extreme example is a special 850CSi built for the painter David Hockney (probably as a gift for having painted the 850CSi Art Car) with an integrated water bowl for his dog between the rear seats.

Color and Upholstery Selections

The following chart lists all regularly available paint colors for the E31 850CSi.

PAINT NAME

COLOR CODE

MODEL AVAILABILITY

PRODUCTION PERIOD

Alpine White II

218

EG91, EG92

08/1992 through 08/1993

Alpine White III

300

EG91, EG92, EG93

09/1993 through 10/1996

Brilliant Red

308

EG91, EG92

08/1992 through 08/1993

Bright Red

314

EG91, EG92, EG93

09/1993 through 10/1996

Jet Black

668

EG91, EG92, EG93

08/1992 through 10/1996

Sterling Silver metallic

244

EG91, EG92, EG93

08/1992 through 04/1994

Arctic Silver metallic

309

EG91, EG92, EG93

05/1994 through 10/1996

Diamond Black metallic

181

EG91, EG92, EG93

08/1992 through 04/1994

Cosmos Black metallic

303

EG91, EG92, EG93

05/1994 through 10/1996

Granite SIlver metallic

266

EG91, EG92

08/1992 through 05/1993

Fjord Grey metallic

310

EG91, EG92

06/1993 through 10/1996

Calypso Red metallic

252

EG91, EG92, EG93

08/1992 through 10/1996

Lagoon Green metallic

266

EG91, EG92

08/1992 through 05/1993

Oxford Green metallic

324

EG91, EG92, EG93

06/1993 through 10/1996

Mauritius Blue metallic

287

EG91, EG92

08/1992 through 05/1993

Orient Blue metallic

317

EG91, EG92, EG93

06/1993 through 10/1996

The following chart lists all regularly available upholstery colors for the E31 850CSi.

UPHOLSTERY NAME

CODE

MODEL AVAILABILITY

PRODUCTION PERIOD

Black Nappa leather

0495 / N4SW

EG91, EG92, EG93

8/1992 through 10/1996

Silvergrey + Black Nappa leather

0496 / N4SL

EG91, EG92, EG93

8/1992 through 10/1996

Light Silvergrey + Silvergrey Nappa leather

0497 / N4SH

EG91, EG92, EG93

8/1992 through 10/1996

Lotus White + Black Nappa leather

0498 / N4LO

EG91, EG92, EG93

8/1992 through 10/1996

Anthracite Buffalo leather

0499 / P6AT

EG91, EG92

8/1992 through 10/1996

COLOR LINE OPTION: Three special matched paintwork and Nappa leather interior combinations were offered on European-spec 850CSi (EG91 only) throughout the entire production period.